Umhlanga Jewish Centre (UJC) is a Modern Orthodox synagogue, Jewish Day School and Jewish Community Centre, situated in uMhlanga, an area north of Durban.
| Umhlanga Jewish Centre | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Modern Orthodox Judaism |
| Rite | Nusach Ashkenaz |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Gilad Friedman |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 81 Campbell Dr, Izinga Ridge, Blackburn, 4319, South Africa |
| Country | South Africa |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Synagogue architecture |
| Date established | 2014 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 2014 |
The centre is situated on the new 20,000-square-meter fenced security estate, Izinga and also includes an auditorium, Kollel, function hall, mikveh and kosher kitchen. The synagogue seats up to 350 worshipers.[1]
On 17 June 2014, the centre was officially opened with a foundation-stone ceremony attended by South Africa's Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein.[2]
History
editThe UJC and Izingina, the security estate in which it is situated, was first conceived by Rabbi Pinchas Zekry, long-time rabbi of the Durban United Hebrew Congregation (DUHC)[2][3]Zekry could see that the Jewish community on the Berea was shrinking as families migrated northwards of the city to Umhlanga, La Lucia and Durban North.[2] Zekry presented his vision for the estate, which also includes a residential development, to philanthropist, Jonathan Beare. Beare agreed to primarily fund the centre.[2]
Among the DUHC, there was strong support from members to relocate their Berea Congregation to the UJC.[2] While others were against the move and selling the Great Synagogue building on the Berea.[2] Ultimately, the Great Synagogue was sold and the congregation relocated to a smaller site in Berea.[4][5]
Umhlanga Jewish Day School (later Akiva College), opened in January 2012.[6] It is the only functioning Jewish school in the Durban area following the closure of Carmel College, a Jewish high school, in 2004.[7]
The UJC was dedicated in 2014, with Rabbi Zekry addressing the congregation. Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, Jonathan Beare and Beit Din head rabbi, Moshe Kurtstag were also in attendance. As well as the centre's dedication, the ceremony incorporated the opening of the Mikveh facility, the Beit Midrash library and a new media centre for the Jewish Day School.[8]
The synagogue building makes architectural references to Judaism, with mosaic columns inspired by the Seven Species and stained-glass windows showing the six days of creation.[9]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Izinga Estate on Umhlanga Ridge: Symbol and Symptom Arutz Sheva. 12 December 2014
- ^ a b c d e f Durban Jews move to Izinga The Jerusalem Post. 6 December 2014
- ^ Umhlanga residents contemplate Izinga The South African Jewish Report. 24 August 2016
- ^ Historic inauguration service at Silverton Road Shul The South African Jewish Report. 27 July 2017
- ^ Sad end to Durban’s Great Synagogue The South African Jewish Report. 27 February 2017
- ^ Umhlanga Jewish day school opens myshtetl.co.ca. 18 January 2012
- ^ South Africa classmates reconnect like only they know how The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 11 September 2014
- ^ Umhlanga Jewish Centre dedicated with jubilation The South African Jewish Report. 18 June 2014
- ^ The Shul Umhlanga Jewish Centre. Retrieved on 5 November 2024